Supporting safe and secure town water services
The NSW Government runs a number of programs to support local water utilities in the delivery of safe, secure, efficient, sustainable, and affordable water supply and sewerage services to 1.8 million people in regional NSW, protecting public health and the environment and supporting economic development and liveability.
Our programs
A suite of programs to provide greater support for local water utilities in the delivery of safe and secure services.
This program co-funds eligible water and sewerage projects in regional NSW that solve high priority risks to water security, drinking water quality and the environment.
This program aims to support local water utilities with high-risk category treatment plants to reduce the water quality risks through improved operation and monitoring.
Local Water Utilities can get help with the cost of water carting or water supply works during periods of emergency.
The department has already completed many programs aimed at improving the delivery and quality of water in regional NSW, including phase 1 of the Town Water Risk Reduction Program.
Other completed programs
Water and Waste Water Backlog Program
On 6 March 2015, the NSW Government announced $110 million in Restart NSW funding for infrastructure projects, to go towards clearing a backlog of projects in regional towns affected by ongoing water quality and sewerage problems. These projects were originally identified under the Country Towns Water Supply and Sewerage Program (CTWSSP) but were unable to be funded under that program.
The Backlog Program is part of the $325 million Water Security for Regions reservation in the 2014-15 State budget. The Backlog Program is assisting the NSW Government to meet its targets for access to and quality of potable water through new infrastructure builds and infrastructure upgrades.
The administration of funding for the Backlog Program is managed by Infrastructure NSW with the department providing technical advice.
Following on from the Backlog Program, and in recognition of the need faced by Local Water Utilities in regional areas, the NSW Government launched the Safe and Secure Water Program in 2017.
Approved projects
The 37 projects which secured funding under the Backlog Program can be viewed in the interactive map below.
Murray to Broken Hill pipeline
WaterNSW has completed the construction of a new pipeline from the Murray River to Broken Hill. The pipeline has secured the water supplies for Broken Hill and surrounding communities.
The pipeline solution was selected following an extensive assessment by water, financial, engineering and infrastructure experts of 19 possible project options.
Construction of the pipeline was part of a $500 million investment strategy to secure Broken Hill’s water supplies – representing the largest investment into regional water security on record. This investment utilises Restart NSW funds under the Safe and Secure Water Program.
Overview information
Frequently asked questions
What was the process to determine this as the best long-term solution?
The NSW Government knows this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ensure Broken Hill’s long-term water security and has so undertaken an extensive assessment and analysis of all possible solutions – spanning a broad list of 19 options. Each project option was meticulously reviewed by water, infrastructure and financial experts.
A shortlist of project options were further analysed against strict economic, environmental and social criteria – to determine which project best meets the needs of the region and supports Broken Hill’s economic prosperity for years to come. The analysis was performed in a transparent, robust and structured manner – overseen by experts from the department, NSW Public Works and Infrastructure NSW.
Why was the proposed pipeline option chosen over other options?
The preferred project provides the greatest confidence in meeting the specific quality, security and supply criteria in a sustainable and cost-effective way over decades to come. It best meets the strict social, economic and environmental criteria set to evaluate the project.
How much will the pipeline project cost?
The NSW Government is investing $500 million into securing Broken Hill’s water supply. The water security package represents one of the largest investments into regional water security on record and consists of a range of short term water projects—addressing the record low inflows into Menindee Lakes—and supported by long term projects to secure water for decades to come.
More information
Country Towns Water Supply and Sewerage Program
Across regional NSW, around 1.9 million people, living in around 500 urban communities depend on safe, secure, affordable and sustainable drinking water and sewerage services.
Access to safe and secure water supply and sewerage services is fundamental to the health, well-being and economic growth of regional communities.
About CTWSSP
Since 1994, the Country Towns Water Supply and Sewerage Program (CTWSSP) provided assistance to local water utilities (LWUs) that provide public water supply and sewerage services to urban areas of regional NSW.
The key functions of the CTWSSP were to:
- promote adoption of best practice management by regional LWUs through leadership, guidance, training and expert advice
- provide financial assistance towards the capital costs of water supply and sewerage infrastructure works to bring them up to prevailing standards
Between 1994 and 2018 the CTWSSP has helped LWUs provide appropriate, affordable, cost-effective, and well-managed water supply and sewerage services to meet community needs, protect public health and achieve sustainable environmental outcomes.
A report by the NSW Audit Office in 2015 noted that the CTWSSP “has effectively promoted adoption of better management practices by local water utilities, but will not achieve its objective of eliminating the water supply and sewerage infrastructure backlog in urban areas of country New South Wales.”
As the CTWSSP is coming to a close, and in recognition of the ongoing need faced by LWUs in regional areas, the NSW Government announced the commencement of the applicant led Safe and Secure Water Program in 2017.
CTWSSP Achievements
- Over $1.27 billion of funding committed by NSW Government since 1994
- 520 water supply and sewerage projects completed worth more than $3.6 billion
- Provision of improved water and sewerage services to regional NSW residents
- Improved performance of LWUs including:
- Overall implementation of the best practice management framework increased from 46% in 2004-05 to 92% in 2015-16
- 100% compliance with microbiological requirements in 2015-16, up from 50% in 2000.
Completed projects
Projects which were funded under the CTWSSP can be viewed in the interactive map below.
Water Security for Regions ProgramÂ
Under the Water Security for Regions Program, the NSW Government allocated $366 million of Restart NSW funding to help regional communities improve water security and prepare for further drought conditions.
Projects funded under the Program included dam augmentation, pipeline and bore works, and water efficiency mechanisms, with the aim of helping farmers and regional industries deal with drier conditions.
The administration of funding for the Water Security for Regions Program is managed by Infrastructure NSW, with the department providing technical advice.
Following on from the Water Security for Regions Program, and in recognition of the ongoing need faced by Local Water Utilities in regional areas, the NSW government announced the Safe and Secure Water Program in 2017.
Approved projects
Projects which secured funding under the Program can be viewed in the interactive map below.